Death of former CORR member inspires J.R. Wheeler to enlist in military

Indianapolis, IN (February 3, 2005) -- For anyone who has met or crossed paths with former CORR driver J.R. Wheeler, one fact is certain. He will always display pride for his country by showing off the American Flag. In the years competing in the CORR Pro-Lite division, the familiar red, white and blue colors adorned Wheeler’s truck.

Wheeler’s family is one of thousands affected by the war in Iraq. In October, Steve Downing was killed while on duty near Fallujah. Downing, Wheeler’s best friend for several years, re-joined the military when he felt the need to serve full time following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Needless to say, Wheeler is constantly mourning the loss of his best friend.

“It’s probably been the hardest thing I’ve dealt with in my life,” said Wheeler. “It’s an ongoing heartache. Of anybody that I’ve ever had to deal with (as far as a death), his has been the hardest.”

After living together for six years, and racing together for 4 years, the passing of Downing made a lasting impression on Wheeler. Downing was Wheeler’s Crew Chief when he competed in the Championship Off Road Racing Pro-Lite division during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

At 32 years old, with four boys (Cody-14, twins Dallas & Dalton-10, and Austin-8), a successful trucking business and a tight-knit family, he decided to join the military.

Wheeler first considered joining the Army in 1993, and also last year with Steve, but the situation was not right at the time. Now it is.

“I’m no better than anyone else,” he said. “If 18 and 19 year old kids are over there, there is no reason why I can’t go over there and do my part. If I’m over there I guarantee at least one person gets to come home who has been over there for a while.”

The support from his family the last few months has been remarkable. At Christmas, Wheeler spent a lot of time with his family. His parents, who are divorced, were together for the first time in 30 years to be with J.R. before he leaves for training at Fort Benning in Georgia.

Wheeler is in hopes of joining the Special Airborne or Rangers/Elite Forces in the Army. At this time, he is not sure when he will be shipped out. He was told that if he were deployed, it would be in September 2005.

Three weeks ago, Wheeler and Downing’s family flew in a soldier and friend who served with Downing when he was hit.

“We got to talk with him about Steve’s last moments,” said Wheeler. “He said it was an absolute nightmare. You can never imagine the horror over there unless you are there.”

Through all of the sorrow that Wheeler has gone through in the last three months, he feels compelled to do his part in serving his country. The hardest part, though, will be leaving his four boys at home. While preparing to leave for training, Wheeler is spending a lot of time with them. Wheeler understands it may be hard on them, but his influence on all four will be great.

“Anybody who knows me understands that I’m the biggest American flag enthusiast there is, but I’ve never done anything to serve my country. If anything is going to happen to me and I’m going to die, I want to die with a flag on my coffin. I’m hoping to do my part.”